Kenya Power CEO Bernard Ngugi issues tough memo on rising staff costs

Kenya Power & Lighting Plc is about to undergo some major shake-ups following the appointment of new MD and CEO Bernard Ngugi.

The new CEO, who has only been in office for three weeks, has already begun setting up measures to tighten the belt on expenditure by staff members.

An undated memo seen by Pulselive.co.ke states in part: "Management has observed with concern an upsurge of staff costs in the Company. These include overtime, travel and associated cost elements."

Kenya Power CEO Bernard Ngugi issues tough memo on rising staff costs ece-auto-gen

The memo signed by Mr Ngugi further elaborates that the management was concerned with staff and teams that have been reporting to work late and leaving early.

"While managers and other supervisors will be held accountable for the containment and control of various costs in their respective dockets including offering effective leadership," the memo stated in part.

No more afternoon tea at Kenya Power

Another memo by acting Human Resource Manager David Monandi informed staff members that the provision of afternoon tea had been withdrawn.

"As management continues to implement a raft of measures to manage various costs, addresses are hereby notified that the provision of afternoon tea services shall be suspended with effect from December 1, 2019," the second memo reads in part.

Kenya Power CEO Bernard Ngugi issues tough memo on rising staff costs Pulse Live Kenya

Before taking up the role of CEO, Mr Ngugi had been serving as the General Manager, Supply Chain.

Soon after the KP Board announced his appointment, Ngugi outlined that part of his agenda ould be increasing profitability of the company.

"My immediate focus is to lead the Company towards improved profitability while ensuring the business fulfills its socio-economic purpose. This will be achieved by implementing our 5 Year Strategic Plan that broadly aims at delivering excellent customer service and ensuring our business sustainability," he stated.